Midday Report: DuPont Sees Steep Profit Decline; Coach Jumps

Stocks saw choppy trading midday Tuesday as investors sifted through a rush of earnings from Comcast (CMCSA) to T-Mobile (TMUS), Pfizer (PFE) to Merck (MRK). The energy sector was the worst performer as crude prices plummeted for a second straight day. DuPont (DD) reported a sharp decline in profits in its third quarter as a stronger dollar and weaker demand in emerging markets took their toll. Coach (COH) posted better-than-expected profit. Sales in North America tumbled 11%, though that was a slower rate than a quarter earlier. The luxury handbag retailer has doubled down on turnaround efforts that include fewer promotions and higher quality products. Consumer confidence weakened in October to a three-month low as U.S. shoppers grew less optimistic over the current state of the economy.